Altrusa selects woman of the year

The St. Augustine chapter of Altrusa International recently honored former The St. Augustine Record features editor Anne Heymen as its 2014 Woman of the Year. Heymen was honored at a dinner meeting at Red Lobster. She was given a plaque from the club and a letter signed by Mayor Joe Boles.

Altrusa president Eileen Holden spoke about Heymen’s support of the Altrusa organization during her service at the Record over the years.

“Anne embodies Altrusa’s philosophy and principles in her everyday life and 50 years of reporting and service to this community,” Holden said. “Altrusa believes it is not enough to be good; Altrusans must be good for something. Anne’s joy of giving rather than getting, searching for happiness, and expressing goodwill are principles espoused by Altrusa, which Anne has made a part of her personal and professional career.”

Heymen spoke about the importance of the many charitable clubs in town and how she enjoyed her years writing about them. She included a story or two about her cat family.

Ciara Howle, one of three Altrusa Scholarship recipients this year, also attended the dinner. Howle is attending the Automobile Technology Program at First Coast Technical College. Howle spoke about how important the scholarship is to her and what her goals are for the future.

The Altrusa International Club of St. Augustine is a local service club that focuses on literacy, education and the betterment of the community.

During the past year, the organization has provided events for the public to raise money for the Canine for Warriors program, Women in Transition scholarships, the Learn to Read organization, the Homeless Coalition and the AIDS Coalition. For information, call Eileen Holden at 829-0823.